Word Origin & History

comparative 1447, from L. comparativus "pertaining to comparison," from comparatus, pp. of comparare (see comparison). Originally grammatical; general sense is from c.1600; meaning "involving different branches of a subject" is from 1670s. Related: Comparatively (1570s).

Example Sentences for comparatively

The Ribbonmen were rough and rugged, but comparatively respectable.

It is situated on a sandy plain, and the suburbs are comparatively few.

His country was lost; but that was comparatively a small thing.

In a civilized community, physical danger is comparatively rare.

He considered himself as comparatively old, and he had a feeling of sympathy for the other old fellow who doubtless loved her.

The absence of all kinds of animals rendered this comparatively easy.

For distances of more than 400 feet there are comparatively few records.

Much, too, must have been written down at a comparatively early period.

If a round cutting edge is used for finishing, a comparatively fine feed is required in order to obtain a smooth surface.

That was the best way, for it was both the shortest and comparatively the quietest.